Graced Moments is a reflection series in which members of the Holy Child family share experiences of God’s presence and action in their lives. Begun in 2024 with reflections from Holy Child Sisters, the series has expanded in 2026 to celebrate the new Holy Child Collaborative, welcoming voices from Holy Child Associates, schools, ministries, staff, alumni, and friends. We invite you to explore their stories below.
We thank Margaret (Peggy) Crowley, SHCJ, for offering September’s reflection.
Thank you, Sister Peggy!
Click below to hear Sister Peggy’s Graced Moment.
“Because words fail us at those tender moments when
we try to connect our spirit with someone who has died…”
— Sister Peggy Crowley
At 3:00 am recently, I awakened and couldn’t get back to sleep because I was grappling with the news that a former colleague had suddenly died the day before. I felt close to him because he had stopped by my office every day to share little pieces of news. That was our bond.
So, I opened my iPad looking through Facebook. There, right away, I discovered a recording of Rachmaninoff’s second Adagio movement of Piano Concerto No. 2. This piece is so beautiful and has been inspiring me my whole life. It was my first-ever discovery of classical music when I was 16 years old.
I had my first summer job selling school supplies from 6:00-10:00 pm at Woolworth’s. I received $2.10 an hour and purchased the Rachmaninoff album with my first paycheck. Decades later, Rachmaninoff still inspires and comforts me.
Because words fail us at those tender moments when we try to connect our spirit with someone who has died, I invited my former colleague, now with the Lord, to join me while listening in that mystery of communion.
I close with a quote from “The Shattering of Loneliness: On Christian Remembrance” by Erik Varden:
“In the night my soul
has desired you:
From daybreak I shall watch
for you with my spirit in the
depths of my being.
You have sorrow now
but I will see you again
and your heart will rejoice.”
Here is an excerpt of Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninoff. Maybe you, too, would like to invite a deceased loved one or friend to join you while listening.
“It is not presumption to have hope and joy
and confidence in God’s grace.”
-Venerable Cornelia Connelly
What in Sister Peggy’s graced moment resonated with you? Please share below.
Thank you for the beautiful music and moment for me to reflect and listen. I invited my friend Tish and my sister Rosali to join me while listening. My emotions were both: sadness and joyful.
I liked the sentiment and love that piece of music, it helps me remember that we are not alone, but God is always there
Such beautiful music. Very inspiring! One can‘t help loving it!😊
Thank you, Peggy. This work of Rachmininoff is also one of my favorites. It has inspired me many times in my life. Thank you for sharing this experience. Loss is only addressed through music for so many of us. It is an experience no words can capture of address.